Maruti Vitara Brezza VDi review

Introduction:

Maruti Vitara Brezza has been the most awaited product of this year, here in India. Its concept was first unveiled at the 2013 Auto Expo in Delhi, but it took more than two years for its production model to take shape. Now, after a period of long wait, the manufacturer has launched this compact SUV in the country to take on the best-selling car in this segment the EcoSport and recently launched TUV300. This is the first time that MSIL is venturing into the lucrative compact SUV segment. Launched only with one diesel engine option, this SUV comes in as many as six variants and among those, Maruti Vitara Brezza VDi is the mid range version.

1. ABS with EBD should have been given as a standard feature. 2. Interior design looks very basic.

Standout feature:

1. It comes with the Suzuki's STEC body structure making it an SUV with high safety standards. 2. A good looking instrument cluster with several vital stats and 7-step illumination control facility.

Overview:

The Maruti Vitara Brezza VDI is the mid range variant in its line-up that is powered by a Fiat-sourced 1.3-litre DDiS diesel motor. It makes for a healthy power output of 89bhp and a torque of 200Nm. Brezza has been the most searched model in the INTERNET portals ever since it made its first appearance. It has a solid body structure with beautiful curves and muscles to attract young buyers. Unlike other sub 4-meter SUVs, this one has a perfect body shape that exudes a scene of a true SUV. However, its interior design is a big letdown, thanks to the boring color scheme. This mid range trim gets a whole lot of features including keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs, manual air conditioning unit and an audio system.

Exteriors:

The exterior design of this compact SUV is simply perfect. Perhaps, it looks like no other Maruti car models of today. Although it is a sub 4-meter car, its doesn't have any bizaar design proportion like other SUVs. Starting with the front facade, it gets a bold radiator grille with a thicker chrome strip and company's insignia in it. The headlight cluster surrounding this also has an intimidating design that adds aggressive character to the SUV. It has a massive front bumper with a large air intake section and lower cladding. Moving to the sides, we can see massive fenders accompanied with black strips. These wheel arches have been mated with a set of steel rims adoring full wheel covers. Unlike other conventional vehicles, this one gets a floating roof design with contrast color. Also, all its pillars are done up in glossy black, rendering it a stunning appeal. Its rear section too looks stylish like other facets. In our opinion folks, it scores five out of five for its exterior design. This variant comes only with five paint options including Pearl Arctic White, Premium Silver, Blazing Red, Granite Grey and Cerulean Blue.

Interiors:

Like mentioned above, its interior design is a definite let-down. Although the quality of materials and finish seems to be good, but the poor color scheme makes the interior look out-of-date. It comes with a black color scheme with metallic highlights and glossy black inserts on dashboard. The only attraction for the interiors is its large instrument cluster that features 7 step illumination control. The steering wheel has been borrowed from other Maruti models. The only relieving factor about the cabin is its comfortable seating arrangement. Both front and rear seats are ergonomically sound and they offer good support to the occupants. This car gets a conventional audio system with CD player and connectivity support for USB, AUX-In and Bluetooth. This variant also gets tons of other comfort features including front and rear power windows, keyless entry, electrically adjustable outside mirrors, manual AC unit, electric back door opening, bottle holders on all doors and foldable rear seat.

Performance:

This variant in the Brezza line-up is powered by a critically acclaimed 1.3-litre DDiS oil-burner, which is also doing duties for other Maruti models. This is a 4-cylinder mill that makes for a total displacement capacity of 1248cc. Based on a DOHC valve configuration, this motor churns out a maximum power of 89bhp at 4000rpm along with a hammering torque of 200Nm at 1750rpm. Mated with a five speed manual gearbox, this mill can give away a mileage of 24 kmpl (as per ARAI).

Ride and Handling:

Its front axles are loaded with a McPherson strut and the rear one comes with a torsion beam system. Besides, presence of coil springs on both the axles improves the dampening effect and makes it comfortable for the occupants inside. In terms of braking, it gets conventional braking mechanism with front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. For this variant, there is not ABD or EBD, which is unfortunate. As for the steering, it feels nice in the hand and light at times. It is very responsive but not crisp enough. With this king of a steering, it is easy to deal with traffic.

Safety:

This car comes with the Suzuki's STEC body structure that can bear the brunt of a crash and thereby protecting safeguarding the occupants from a sudden impact. Driver airbag comes as a standard feature in this variant. There are few other such safety features integrated with this car including anti theft security system, an advanced engine immobilizer, driver seat belt reminder lamp with buzzer, dual horn and headlight leveling device. Additionally, the company has also incorporated reverse parking sensors with infographic display that aids driver to park the vehicle while maneuvering at tight corners.

Verdict:

This compact SUV looks better than any other car model ever produced by Maruti Suzuki. It is an eye-catcher with respect to its exterior design but it will surely disappoint you with its poor interior design. As for the features, it is packed with all the basic essentials and equipments. In terms of performance, we are still waiting to drive the vehicle. This SUV would definitely tempt you to place an order, but you must think twice before doing it. One should really consider models such as Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300 before going for Brezza.